Tae:
To use the foot
Kwon: To punch with the fist
Do: An art, a way of life

TAEKWONDO is a martial art that originated from
Korea and has a history of over 20 centuries. The main feature of Taekwondo
is that it is a free-fighting combat sport using bare hands and feet to repel
the opponent. Besides this, practicing Taekwondo serves to improve health, physical
fitness and poise. On the mental side, it also builds up one self-confidence,
will power, and mental discipline.

The reasons for practicing Taekwondo, therefore, can be summarized briefly
as follows :

to learn self-defence technique and gain fighting
skill;

to exercise for good health, physical strength, physical
balance, etc.

to improve mental strength; and

to participate in competitions and become an excellent
athlete.

In
recent years, Taekwondo has become a modern amateur sport. It has become a modern
world sport maintaining the tradition and spirit of martial science. Taekwondo
has also become a major entry in annual athletic meets. In the 2000 Olympics,
Taekwondo was one of the competing events.